Arthritis as a syndrome: Ways of prevention

You may have seen your grandparents unable to move swiftly like you do. What is the reason? Did they share their pain with you?

The reason is joint swelling and unbearable pain caused by arthritis. Joints are the areas where you can fold your body in multiple directions.

Early measures can minimize the effects of arthritis and allow you to enjoy your existence.

Kristy McPherson(age 10) had rheumatoid arthritis. She had painful joints and a swollen throat, restricting her breathing. Yet she became a golfer, pushing the painful boundaries away.

19% of US adults above 18 years suffer from arthritis.

Why is arthritis treated as a syndrome?

Arthritis means joint swelling. Joints are the folds in your body where two bones meet. The bone ends are covered with cartilage ( a connective tissue ).

Your body has 200 to 350 joints. Some of them are:

• Wrists

• Elbows

• Shoulders

• Knees

• Hips

• Ankles

• Fingers

• Toes

When the cartilage reduces, your bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation.

A syndrome is a combination of physical ailments that co-occur. Similarly, arthritis makes the muscles stiff and restricts movement.

Types of arthritis

Each joint in your body may have a different type of arthritis over time. While we list some types with causes, how many of them did you know?

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Idiopathic means the cause is unknown. Why children have arthritis is unknown. The reason may be genetic, environmental, or injuries.

Osteoarthritis is frequent among people above 50. They have damaged synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.

How does arthritis inflammation work?

Generally, your immune system attacks the joint gel. Similarly, your bone cartilage is damaged.

The results are:

• Joint gel reduces

• Joint structure distorts

• Enzymes react

• Pain and swelling

• Reduced joint flexibility

• Chronic damage to the joints

Why do people suffer from arthritis?

Several factors align with the onset of arthritis. A few of them are:

• Age

• Gender

• Obesity

• Hereditary causes

• Organ infections

• Autoimmune disorders

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Cold weather

Women have a higher arthritis percentage than men, why?

Women going through menopause have low estrogen levels. Estrogen helps to reduce inflammation. Thus, they complain about painful arthritis.

Men have testosterone hormones that protect their joints. Thus, women account for higher arthritis than men.

In the United States of America, 22% of women and 16% of men have arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis in daily life

When people suffer from arthritis, they face issues like:

• Swelling in the joints

• Redness

• Pain due to the friction of bones

• The joint becomes warm

• Tiredness associated with pain

• Bone or joint defects

What do doctors say about arthritis?

Doctors suggest prevention because arthritis has no cure. Thus, they try to:

• Limit the pain

• Preserve joint function

• Reduce the inflammation

• Recommend weight reduction

• Encourage exercise

• Prescribe medications or surgery

Treatment plans for arthritis

Numerous options are available recently to prevent joint and bone damage due to arthritis.

Some of them are:

• Pain relievers, analgesics, or gels to relieve pain

• Drugs suppress the immune system

• Physiotherapy for joint flexibility and strength

• Kneecaps, waistbelts, smart braces, or splints

• Swimming relaxes muscles and bones

• Yoga and meditation

• Acupuncture and oil massage

What to eat for arthritis?

The person may have supplements such as:

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Turmeric

• Vitamin D

• Glucosamine

• Chondroitin

• Berries

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Mediterranean meals

• Ginger

• Garlic

Arthritis patients should not eat tangy pickles or fruits. They cause infections like eczema. These foods boost histamines and trigger inflammation, leading to unbearable pain.

The updated therapies for arthritis

Inventions are being developed to assist patients facing challenges with arthritis.

Biological therapies are:

• Stem cell therapy to regenerate the deformed cartilage

• Gene therapy to prevent the disease

• Immunotherapy to modify the immune system

• Triple therapy using three medications

• Peptide therapy to regulate the immune attacks

Medicinal treatments like:

• Hyaluronic acid injections

• Platelet-rich plasma therapies

• Nerve procedures for rheumatoid arthritis

• Shock absorber implants for early knee pain

Advanced technologies:

Artificial intelligence helps doctors diagnose the root cause of arthritis.

• AI-assisted diagnosis

• 3D printed joints

• Robo-assisted surgeries

Wearables like:

• Arthritis gloves

• Knee strap

• Copper compression gloves

• Smart assistant as health bands

Does Ayurveda solve arthritis?

India’s premier medical institute, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), did a scientific study on arthritis patients. The experts proved that Ayurveda can reverse the chronic effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ashwagandha, a plant root that smells like a horse, along with an herbal formula, can cure joint pain and reduce swelling.

Some foods should be omitted from meals as they worsen arthritis:

• Eggs

• Beef

• Pork

• Peanuts

• Soya

• Coffee

• Cheese

• Milk

• Wheat

• Corn

Preventive plans for arthritis

Damaging the bones, joints, or cartilage and facing the pain can be prevented by following the steps below:

• Eat a balanced meal

• Engage in physical activities

• Refrain from smoking

• Wear joint-supportive footwear

• Maintain your normal BMI

• Diabetes may damage cartilage

• Prevent injuries

What are your plans to combat arthritis?

Arthritis creates unfavorable effects on your mental and physical health. It ruins your joints, restricts your movements, and makes you reliant on wearables or medications. Why harm yourself when you can set your limits to the sky? Alter your ill habits and tell us how it altered you?